News and notes from around the NHL this morning:
- The Buffalo Sabres have called up defenseman Justin Falk from Rochester this morning to help replace both Dmitry Kulikov and Josh Gorges, reports John Vogl of the Buffalo News here and here. Defenseman Kulikov missed Thursday’s practice with an undisclosed ailment, but the hope was that he would be able to play in tonight’s game versus the New Jersey Devils. It is unclear whether Gorges is out or just skipping the morning skate, but his absence is sorely missed as he and Rasmus Ristolainen make up the Sabres’ top defensive pairing. Call-up Justin Falk currently has no points in 9 games for the Rochester Americans.
- Brandon Dubinsky may be ready to play, reports the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline, as the Columbus Blue Jackets reassign forwards Sonny Milano and Markus Hannikainen back down to Cleveland. Dubinsky missed the last two games with injury but looks to return to the lineup tomorrow against the St. Louis Blues. Milano is pointless in two games with the Blue Jackets so far, and Hannikainen, while called up, did not see any ice time last night against the Boston Bruins.
- The Bruins have recalled center Sean Kuraly from Providence, reports Mirk Divver of the Providence Journal. Kuraly played one game for the Bruins so far—November 3rd against Tampa—but did not register a point in his seven minutes of ice time. Kuraly currently has two assists for the Providence Bruins. He’ll act as reinforcement as the Bruins embark on a three-game Western road trip.